In the lead up to the 79^th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, Episcopal Relief & Development is launching a special carbon offset giving opportunity.

For the first time, Episcopal Relief & Development and the Episcopal Church are inviting attendees to offset the carbon footprint created by their attendance at General Convention. By making a contribution to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Climate Fund (www.episcopalrelief.org/green), Episcopalians and other friends empower the organization’s worldwide partners who are implementing climate-smart agriculture, water harvesting and tree planting programs. For example, for every dollar contributed, one tree can be planted. Visitors who stop by booth 401 to donate will receive a Green Footprint button made of recycled material to show their support.

“At General Convention in 2015, we pledged to make environmental stewardship a priority of the Episcopal Church. Please join me in keeping that promise by giving $25 to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Climate Fund. Our donations will help offset the carbon footprint of General Convention and make a tangible contribution to the care of God’s creation,” said The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, the Episcopal Church.

General Convention attracts tens of thousands of individuals who travel by plane, train and automobile to a location that requires air conditioning, lighting and electric-powered equipment so that attendees can conduct business in comfort. With one $25 donation to the Climate Fund, each donor can offset the carbon of an average attendee. Anyone can contribute online atwww.episcopalrelief.org/green.

“Episcopal Relief & Development is inviting General Convention participants to offset their carbon footprint by supporting the agency’s Climate Fund. I commend this as a practical and impactful way that we as individuals and together as a church can respond to the effects of rapidly changing weather patterns,” said The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church.

The agency’s work on issues related to Climate focuses on how families and communities can work together to adapt to the effects of rapidly changing weather patterns. These programs include preparing for and recovering from climate-related traumas such as floods, hurricanes and other disasters.

All Episcopalians and friends are welcome to join the conversation on social media using hashtags #EpiscopalRelief, #GC79 and #ColorOurWorld.